How to plan a trip to China: here are our travel essentials

Feb 165 min read

A composition of photos depicting a designer Chinese restaurant, two back-to-back girls dressed in traditional clothing, and an alleyway with various stores

How to plan a trip to China: here are our travel essentials for exploring the country stress-free

Planning a trip to China might seem like a mission impossible: language, culture, overcrowding, online restrictions… in short, it’s like a whole different world. But trust me, with the right tips, it’s much easier than you think (thank you Internet and social media✨) and it’s totally worth it.

Plus, China isn’t just ancient history: it’s also an ultra-modern, vibrant, and seriously cool universe.

So, here’s your essential guide to exploring this country stress-free.

🫶🏻Good to know: when we mention China in this article, we’re referring to the territory of the People’s Republic of China, so countries like Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan aren’t included, and different rules or customs might apply to them.

Before you go: everything you need to do

Apart from booking your flights and hotels (we booked them on Skyscanner, airline websites, and Booking), here’s what to do before you embark on your trip to China.

✈️ Documents & Visas

Always double-check the entry requirements!

📲 SIM or e-SIM?

Internet will be your best friend. You can choose between:

SIM card, cheaper option but you’ll have to buy it there and may need to activate a VPN to access your favorite apps;
e-SIM, pricier solution but super practical with no need for a VPN (I bought an unlimited data plan on Airalo – highly recommended!).

📱 Must-Have Apps

Trust me, download these apps before you go:

Alipay & WeChat: your essential tools for payments, taxis (DiDi), translations, bookings… life-savers! (Download them early, registration can take time).
DiDi: their version of Uber (way cheaper), in case Alipay and WeChatil don't play nice!
Trip.com: download the app, it’s perfect for booking domestic flights, trains, and tourist tickets. Super user-friendly!
VPN (like Surfshark): essential for accessing Google and Insdtagram on Wi-Fi.
Translation Apps (Google Translate): Mandarin is tricky, and English isn’t always widely spoken, so these will help a lot (but be prepared for frequent lost-in-translations moments!).

💡 Pro tip: don't forget travel insurance. Better safe than sorry!

China 101: key info to know

If you're planning a trip to China, here are some useful facts:

⚡ Plugs & Adapters: voltage is 220V (keep this in mind when you decide to use your Dyson or other device in this country), but plugs vary (A, C, I). A universal adapter is a must.

🚫 Alcohol & Lighters at Airports: you might have to throw away sanitizer and lighters at security checks. Always check restrictions both for the country and the airline (even hair straighteners could be banned with certain airlines!). 🫶🏻Good to know: Don’t be alarmed if airport staff asks you to pull out an item from your bag—they might have spotted something prohibited (e.g., a lighter) via security cameras.

💵 Cash or Not? WeChat and Alipay work everywhere—even in markets. Bring a small amount of local currency (CNY) for emergencies.

📶 Wi-Fi & Internet Block: without a VPN, you won’t be able to access Google & some social media via Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is available, but it’s often slow.

🎄 Christmas & New Year? Not a big deal in China. Expect minimal decorations and parties—only a few restaurants will host special dinners. If you’re here for New Year’s, Shanghai has better vibes than Beijing, but book in advance! Oh, and January 1st is a public holiday in China.

🎆 Chinese New Year (Jan-Feb): it’s a massive celebration! If you’re visiting during this time, book everything early.

📸 Surveillance Everywhere: cameras are common, especially in Beijing. Don’t worry, just follow the rules.

😅 Spitting is normal. At first, it’s a shock, but you’ll get used to it and, other than that, the cities we visited were surprisingly clean 🫧.

4️⃣ Tetraphobia. The number 4 is unlucky (it sounds like "death" in Chinese). You might notice some buildings skip the 4th floor.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Crowds: forget personal space—you’ll be surrounded by people, especially on public transport.

Weather & Dress Code: What to Pack?

When to go:

🌸 Spring (Mar-May): cherry blossoms, perfect weather for maxi dresses and light jackets, but lots of tourists.

☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug): hot, humid and rainy — bring sunscreen, light clothes, and a rain jacket.

🍂 Autumn (Sep-Nov): Chef’s kiss! Ideal weather for a suede jacket, but still lots of tourists.

❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Chilly but chic. Beijing and Xi’An are freezing but always sunny, while Shanghai is milder. Coats and thermal clothing necessary! Fewer tourists (except during Chinese New Year), so it’s a great time to visit.

👗 What to wear? Opt for practical yet stylish clothing — comfy sneakers and layering are key. You’ll be walking a lot!

💡 Pro Tip: China’s huge! The weather varies by city, so check the forecast before packing.

Getting around

🚄 Trains & Domestic Flights

Efficient and easy to book on Trip.com. 🫶🏻 Good to know: Trains are well-organized but arrive early due to security checks and passport controls.

🚖 DiDi (Chinese Uber)

Great for city travel, super affordable (forget Milan’s taxi rates!). If you're in a group, book a van for extra comfort.

Ⓜ️ Public Transport

It works well, but in some cities, distances are huge. Depending on traffic, DiDi might be a better option. In Beijing, you can get in the metro by paying with your card; in Shanghai, use Alipay or WeChat for a metro card.

🚲 Bikes

You can rent bikes with Alipay or WeChat—if you’re up for it!

💡 Pro tip: you can also order a DiDi at many airports for a cheaper ride than a taxi. Just go to the designated pick-up points (look for the ride-hailing car symbols on signs).

Airport sign indicating areas of parking lots and pick up points for ride-hailing cars

How many days do you need?

There’s no right answer, just go and maybe come back later. We did Beijing, Xi'An & Shanghai from December 29th to January 6th: packed, but worth it.

🫶🏻 Good to know: Traveling isn’t just about ticking off attractions — it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, meeting people, and living the moment. So take your time and enjoy the experience.

Food experience: what to eat

Street food stall in a market with neon signs in Chinese language

Think you know Chinese food? Think again. Here’s what you must try:

🥟 Dumplings: a must, everywhere.

🦆 Peking Duck: crispy and juicy. A must in Beijing.

🍜 Cold Noodles with Peanut Sauce: surprisingly delicious.

🌶 Spicy Ancient cuisine: super spicy, but unforgettable.

🐙 Street food in markets: Don’t be intimidated, it’s often cleaner than restaurants.

Feeling adventurous? Try insects 🦗 and jellyfish 🪼!

Bits and pieces of must-see spots

We visited Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'An — here’s a sneak peek at what you can’t miss (we wrote some posts with more detailed guides, peep that!😎):